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Hyscape - Affordable Hydrogen Electrolyzers for Clean Energy in Kenya

Korea-Africa Soft Landing Program Showcase Night | Nairobi Edition1 September 2025 | iHub, 154 James Gichuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Author

Gerald Kombo
September 01, 2025

At the Korea-Africa Soft Landing Program Showcase Night in Nairobi, clean energy innovation took center stage as Hoonhee Lee, CEO & CTO of Hyscapes, presented his company’s vision for making green hydrogen affordable and accessible.

Lee, who spent 19 years at Hyundai developing fuel cell vehicles, MEA/stack production facilities, and hydrogen storage systems, is now spearheading Hyscapes’ mission to transform hydrogen production technology. His presentation unpacked the cost barriers, technology breakthroughs, and Kenya’s exceptional potential in becoming a hydrogen hub.

The Global Challenge

Hydrogen is already a critical industrial gas, but much of it is produced from fossil fuels. The consequences are staggering:

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“When we produce hydrogen from fossil fuel, we emit more than 1 billion tons of CO₂ annually. That is why we must urgently shift to green hydrogen,” Lee emphasized.

The problem, however, is cost. Green hydrogen requires premium renewable energy inputs and expensive electrolyzer equipment, making it far more costly than fossil-based hydrogen. Bridging this gap is at the heart of Hyscapes’ innovations.

Hyscapes’ Technological Breakthroughs

Lee highlighted two core areas where his company is driving down costs:

  1. Simplified Stack Design

    • Hyscapes has developed a simple, roll-based manufacturing process for its electrolyzer stacks.

    • By rethinking the architecture of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA), production becomes both scalable and cost-efficient.

  2. Low-Precious-Metal Catalysts

    • Traditional electrolyzers rely on costly iridium.

    • Hyscapes has engineered catalysts that cut iridium usage by up to 70% using atomic layer deposition.

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“The stack is the most important component,” Lee explained. “By simplifying structure and reducing precious metal use, we can significantly lower the cost of green hydrogen.”

These innovations are no longer confined to the lab. Hyscapes has built prototypes of PEM and AEM electrolyzers and will deliver a pilot stack to K-Water in South Korea this year, marking a key step toward commercialization.

Why Kenya?

Lee underscored that Kenya is uniquely positioned to lead in the green hydrogen economy:

  • Renewable energy strength: Nearly 90% of Kenya’s electricity already comes from renewables, particularly geothermal, solar, and wind.

  • Strategic location: The Port of Mombasa provides access to global markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

  • Industrial base: Fertilizer, chemicals, and agriculture create immediate domestic demand.

  • Innovation capacity: Kenyan universities and research institutes offer strong R&D capabilities.

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“Kenya has already achieved a high share of renewable energy in its electricity mix, and the potential will only grow. That is why we see Kenya as a natural partner for demonstrating and scaling green hydrogen technologies,” Lee said.

Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap

The presentation also aligned Hyscapes’ ambitions with Kenya’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy (2023-2032), which envisions three phases:

  • 2023-2027: Foundation Stage

    • Establish policy and regulatory frameworks.

    • Commission the first commercial-scale projects.

    • Target 100,000 tons/year of green nitrogen fertilizers.

    • Install 150 MW of electrolyzer capacity.

  • 2028-2032: Domestic Market Growth

    • Achieve 50% substitution of imported nitrogen fertilizers.

    • Attract at least USD 1 billion in investments.

    • Create 25,000 direct jobs.

    • Install an additional 150-250 MW of electrolyzers.

  • Beyond 2032: Global Export Hub

    • Expand into green steel, hydrogen transport fuels, and exports.

    • Position “Made in Kenya” hydrogen products on the global market.

Collaboration Opportunities

Lee made a direct call for partnerships in Kenya across four critical fronts:

  1. Demonstration Projects

    • Partnering with EPC companies, universities, and local hydrogen players to pilot electrolyzer technology.

  2. Technology Co-Development

    • Working with research institutions on new materials, stacks, and system designs.

  3. Education & Skills

    • Building hydrogen engineering programs with schools, universities, and training centers.

  4. Investment

    • Hyscapes is seeking to raise USD 1.5M in pre-Series A funding by the end of 2025 to accelerate global rollout.

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“We are focused on a win-win strategy,” Lee concluded. “Kenya has the need to create jobs, and we can offer our technology and knowledge to train engineers and build capacity. Together, we can demonstrate real-life hydrogen solutions that benefit both Kenya and South Korea.”

Conclusion

The Korea-Africa Soft Landing Program Showcase Night was a glimpse into a future where Kenya and South Korea could co-create a green hydrogen economy. For Hyscapes, Kenya is not just a market but a partner with the renewable resources, policy ambition, and human capital to make clean hydrogen a real and scalable solution.

The pathway to affordable green hydrogen will be forged through technology, collaboration, and shared vision.